The motivation for this research is a perceived gap in knowledge regarding the complex relationships between the physical form of the urban environment; its environmental performance as expressed through stocks and flows of materials and energy (urban metabolism); and its experienced physical and psychological qualities (urban ambience). The objective is to develop a practical methodological structure which, through investigating the relationships between these domains, may help inform the evaluation, design and development of more sustainable human settlements. One expression of this apparent knowledge gap is the ambiguity around the classification of urban form and identification of a suitable taxonomic framework to support analysis. Urban morphological research and practice is critically reviewed to derive a rigorous definition of the 'urban structural unit' (USU) to facilitate the subdivision and description of urban form across spatial scales. Application of this construct to a study site in Sydney, Australia provides the basis for subsequent exploration. Investigation of theoretical and applied perspectives on urban ecology, metabolism and design enables distillation of a utilitarian set of structural, functional and ambience properties of the USU. A variety of quantitative methods pertinent to evaluation of these properties is systematically examined to derive a streamlined analytical methodology, integrating hemispherical image analysis, space syntax, isovist and material accounting methods within the USU framework. The efficacy of this methodological 'toolkit' is tested in the final, empirical stage of the research, focussing mainly on the campus of the University of New South Wales. Determination of a range of material, microclimatic, ecosystemic, fractal, syntactic and isovist metrics provides a preliminary quantitative description of the campus USU in terms of its interrelated metabolic and ambience properties. This is further explained and interpreted through multivariate statistical analysis. The results suggest that the USU represents a robust framework for urban evaluation, and application of a relatively parsimonious suite of analytical methods enables a useful initial examination of the relations between significant aspects of urban form, metabolism and ambience. The outcomes of such an evaluation can directly inform built environment practice from a sustainability perspective, and also highlight areas for more detailed investigation.

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 198-207)

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 219-223)

Urban sociology and growth potential

This research project seeks to lay the groundwork for future studies on the interaction of the Majestic Star Casino and the Pittsburgh communities. The introduction of gambling into a society has long been seen as the gateway for the introduction of other social evils and the degradation of the community; however, some recent evidence suggests that communities and casinos can cohabitate for the mutual benefit of all parties involved. Considering the animosity between these strongly held opinions, this project was predicated on the concept of journalistic objectivity attempting to neutrally collect and catalogue a body of evidence for the future use of researchers on either side of the debate. Beyond the need for universality, to form conclusions which claim to know the exact effect of an un-built casino on Pittsburghs neighborhoods would be a contrived effort at best and academic heresy at worst; thus, the focus of this project is to gather data on the physical condition, community life and general health of the neighborhoods surrounding the proposed site before casino construction is completed. The physical condition of the neighborhoods has been documented by the creation of a thorough photographical catalogue of Allegheny West and Lower Manchester the two neighborhoods which most directly adjoin the casino site. The catalogue gives a street-level view of the community from a pedestrians prospective. The roughly 4,000 photos collected for this thesis will give future researchers tangible evidence of the current condition of the housing stock, street layout, and residential conditions present in the neighborhoods. Supplementing this catalogue are digitally recorded interviews with neighborhood leaders, government officials, and experts. These interviews not only elaborate on the current state of the neighborhoods, but also detail the interviewees thoughts on the coming casino and what potential effect it may have on Pittsburgh. These two catalogues are enhanced by a neighborhood statistical analysis, essential background information on the casino selection process, and a brief overview of the Majestic Stars construction plans. The entirety of this thesis is dedicated to helping future researchers better understand one of the most controversial issues of our time: gambling.

This policy paper recommends that Pittsburgh develop a small-scale pilot Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program. My research examines the local dynamics of poverty in Pittsburgh, and critics the poverty reduction strategies currently utilized. An analysis of the political barriers facing a proposed CCT program in Pittsburgh is included, and a political strategy concerning the development of a local CCT program is presented.

Thesis (M.U.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.U.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 54-55).

Thesis (M.U.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 48-49).

Thesis (M.U.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 46).